AI Pathfinder for Private Equity Podcast

Steve Budd
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I'm on a mission to guide private equity from AI uncertainty to empowerment by building a network for successful AI adoption. It's giving me firsthand access to PE leaders and experts across the AI value chain. 

  1. Maria Rosenstand Bruun: How AI Could Reshape Financial Due Diligence in Mid-Market Deals

    JAN 12

    Maria Rosenstand Bruun: How AI Could Reshape Financial Due Diligence in Mid-Market Deals

    Summary In this episode of the AI Pathfinder podcast, host Steve Budd speaks with Maria Bruun, founder and CEO of Seecon, about the transformative potential of AI in financial due diligence for private equity firms. Maria shares her extensive background in M&A and highlights the inefficiencies in traditional due diligence processes and her current purpose to build an AI business to redefine financial due diligence and deal preparation. The conversation explores how AI can automate data gathering, enhance analysis, and ultimately streamline the due diligence workflow. Maria emphasises the importance of human insight in interpreting data and discusses the challenges of adopting new technologies in a conservative industry. The episode concludes with a vision for the future of financial due diligence, where AI plays a central role in preparing companies for successful exits. Takeaways AI can significantly enhance the efficiency of financial due diligence processesAutomation can reduce manual errors and speed up data gatheringHuman insight is still crucial for contextualising financial dataCompetitive advantages can be gained by leveraging AI in deal evaluations.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Pathfinder and Seecon 01:28 Maria's Background and Experience in Financial Due Diligence 03:13 Identifying Inefficiencies in Financial Due Diligence 05:56 The Role of AI in Enhancing Due Diligence Processes 09:56 Automation vs. Human Insight in Financial Analysis 11:53 Adoption Challenges and the Importance of User Experience 15:02 Building Trust in AI Solutions for Financial Teams 15:59 Future of Exit Readiness for PE-Backed Companies 17:08 The CFO's Role in Financial Due Diligence 18:46 Preparing for AI Adoption in Financial Processes 21:17 Competitive Advantages of Using AI in Due Diligence 22:45 Envisioning the Future of Financial Due Diligence 24:20 The Evolving Role of Advisors in Financial Transactions Links Maria on LinkedIn Seecon website AI Pathfinder Private Equity AI Strategy Meet-ups: https://www.aipathfinder.co/ai-strategy-day https://www.aipathfinder.co/breakfast-briefings Have a question or would like to suggest improvements, please contact steve@aipathfinder.co

    26 min
  2. Graeme Cox & Sarah Clarke: AI Governance as the Strategic Enabler

    12/10/2025

    Graeme Cox & Sarah Clarke: AI Governance as the Strategic Enabler

    Summary In this episode of the AI Pathfinder for Private Equity podcast, host Steve Budd discusses the critical role of AI governance with experts Graeme Cox and Sarah Clarke from Attercop. They explore the misconceptions surrounding AI governance, emphasising its importance as a value enabler rather than a hindrance to innovation. The conversation covers various themes, including the risks associated with AI liability, the parallels between AI governance and cybersecurity, and the necessity for private equity firms to understand and manage AI risks within their portfolio companies. The guests highlight the importance of visibility, education, and a structured approach to governance to leverage AI effectively while mitigating risks. Takeaways AI governance is often misunderstood as a cost rather than a value enablerAI governance is becoming essential, akin to cybersecurity hygieneAI governance frameworks are still developing and need to be prioritisedUnderstanding AI risks requires a focus on use cases rather than toolsEffective governance can lead to competitive advantagesChapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Pathfinder and Governance 03:34 Understanding AI Liability and Governance Risks 08:39 AI Governance as Cybersecurity Hygiene 11:09 The Evolution of AI Governance 14:41 Visibility and Management of AI Risks 21:33 The Role of Private Equity in AI Governance 23:50 Linking AI Use Cases to ROI and Risk 26:40 AI Governance as a Competitive Differentiator 31:20 First Steps in AI Governance Implementation Links Attercop website Graeme Cox on LinkedIn and Sarah Clarke on LinkedIn AI Pathfinder Private Equity AI Strategy Meet-ups: https://www.aipathfinder.co/ai-strategy-day https://www.aipathfinder.co/breakfast-briefings Have a question or would like to suggest improvements, please contact steve@aipathfinder.co

    34 min
  3. Eleanor Hobson: The AI Liability Squeeze for Portfolio Companies

    11/25/2025

    Eleanor Hobson: The AI Liability Squeeze for Portfolio Companies

    Summary In this episode of the AI Pathfinder for Private Equity podcast, Steve Budd and Eleanor Hobson discuss the growing liability concerns surrounding AI technologies, particularly for mid-market companies. They explore the risks associated with GenAI, the challenges in contractual agreements, and the implications of the EU AI Act. Eleanor provides insights on how portfolio companies can mitigate risks and emphasises the importance of AI literacy and compliance in navigating this evolving landscape. The conversation highlights the need for a strategic approach to AI adoption and the potential future trends in the industry. Takeaways AI is not just an opportunity; it also brings significant liabilityMid-market companies are feeling squeezed between AI providers and customer demandsGenerative AI tools create a complex risk landscape for businessesContractual obligations are shifting, placing more risk on AI usersThe EU AI Act introduces new expectations for documentation and complianceAI literacy is essential for both providers and customersLinks Kemp IT Law website Eleanor Hobson on on LinkedIn AI Pathfinder Private Equity AI Strategy Meet-ups: https://www.aipathfinder.co/ai-strategy-day https://www.aipathfinder.co/breakfast-briefings Have a question or would like to suggest improvements, please contact steve@aipathfinder.co

    30 min
  4. Brian Briggs: Diligence in the Era of AI

    11/14/2025

    Brian Briggs: Diligence in the Era of AI

    Summary In this episode of the AI Pathfinder for Private Equity podcast, host Steve Budd and guest Brian Briggs discuss the evolving landscape of AI in private equity, particularly focusing on due diligence processes. They explore how AI is reshaping investor inquiries, the risks and opportunities it presents, and the importance of integrating AI considerations into investment strategies. The conversation highlights the need for a robust framework for AI due diligence, the significance of executive buy-in, and the necessity of aligning AI initiatives with core business metrics. Additionally, they provide insights on preparing for AI integration and the importance of education within private equity firms. Takeaways AI is transforming the questions investors ask during due diligenceDisruption risk is a significant concern for investors in AIInvestors should assess the maturity of a company's AI initiativesA strong framework for AI due diligence is necessary for investorsMetrics for AI initiatives should align with core business objectives Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Pathfinder and Today's Topic 02:45 Insights from the AI Diligence Panel 05:16 AI's Impact on Investor Questions 08:18 The Human Element in AI Adoption 10:53 Identifying Opportunities Amid Disruption 13:46 Evolving Diligence Frameworks for AI 16:03 Red Flags in AI Readiness 18:42 Value Creation Post-Deal with AI 21:16 Short-Term vs Long-Term AI Strategies 24:04 Building AI Capabilities in Private Equity 25:54 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Links RingStone website Brian Briggs on LinkedIn AI Pathfinder Private Equity AI Strategy Meet-ups: https://www.aipathfinder.co/ai-strategy-day https://www.aipathfinder.co/breakfast-briefings Have a question or would like to suggest improvements, please contact steve@aipathfinder.co

    29 min
  5. Al Cattell: Practical First Moves for Safe AI Adoption in Private Equity

    09/24/2025

    Al Cattell: Practical First Moves for Safe AI Adoption in Private Equity

    Summary In this episode Steve Budd speaks with Al Cattell, founder of GiantKelp, about the practical applications of AI in private equity and business processes. They discuss the importance of using AI to automate workflows, the challenges of managing expectations, and the role of subject matter experts in successful AI deployment. Al shares insights from his experience in helping firms identify use cases for AI and the significance of starting small with controlled projects to build momentum for future initiatives. Takeaways AI is not a magic solution; it requires careful implementationSuccessful AI projects often start with internal-facing toolsManaging expectations is crucial when introducing AISubject matter experts play a vital role in AI successSmall, controlled use cases can lead to significant improvements.Building momentum is essential for broader AI adoption.The landscape of AI is rapidly evolving, requiring agile strategies.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Private Equity 01:14 The Birth of Giant Kelp and AI Exploration 03:58 Identifying Workflow Automation Opportunities 06:05 Successful AI Deployment Criteria 09:12 Building Minimum Viable AI Products 13:41 Expectation Management in AI Projects 16:01 The Role of Subject Matter Experts 16:09 Trust and Branding in AI-Driven Legal Work 19:50 Case Study: AI Implementation in a Law Firm 28:32 Advice for Scaling AI Strategies Links Al's LinkedIn GiantKelp AI Pathfinder Private Equity AI Strategy Meet-ups: https://www.aipathfinder.co/ai-strategy-day https://www.aipathfinder.co/breakfast-briefings Have a question or would like to suggest improvements, please contact steve@aipathfinder.co AI Pathfinder Private Equity AI Strategy Meet-ups: https://www.aipathfinder.co/ai-strategy-day https://www.aipathfinder.co/breakfast-briefings Have a question or would like to suggest improvements, please contact steve@aipathfinder.co

    32 min
  6. Margo Polishchuk: AI Won’t Replace Expert Networks, It Will Supercharge Them

    09/24/2025

    Margo Polishchuk: AI Won’t Replace Expert Networks, It Will Supercharge Them

    Summary In this episode of the AI Pathfinder for Private Equity podcast, host Steve Budd speaks with Margo Polishchuk, co-founder and president of ProSapient, about the evolution of primary research in private equity. Margo shares her journey from the expert networking industry to founding ProSapient, emphasising the importance of customer-centric innovation and the integration of technology in research workflows. The conversation explores the impact of generative AI on the industry, the necessity of maintaining a human element in AI-driven solutions, and the evolving expectations of private equity firms. Margo also discusses best practices for firms to prepare for tech-enabled research. Takeaways Generative AI is reshaping research workflows in private equityThe integration of technology must maintain a human elementAI can enhance the speed and precision of expert intelligenceFirms need to adapt to evolving customer expectationsChapters 00:00 Introduction to ProSapient and AI in Private Equity 01:07 Margo's Founder Story and Market Insights 03:46 Identifying Gaps in Expert Networking 10:14 Integrating AI into ProSapient's Model 13:04 The Role of Generative AI in Due Diligence 18:13 Customer Expectations and Market Dynamics 21:12 Preparing for ProSapient: Best Practices for PE Firms 23:15 Unlocking Unique Insights through Expert Conversations 25:00 Challenges in Building a Tech-Enabled Service 27:13 Future Directions and Geographic Expansion Links Margo's LinkedIn ProSapient AI Pathfinder Private Equity AI Strategy Meet-ups: https://www.aipathfinder.co/ai-strategy-day https://www.aipathfinder.co/breakfast-briefings Have a question or would like to suggest improvements, please contact steve@aipathfinder.co

    30 min
  7. Simon Walker: Forget 'AI Strategy' How PE Firms Can Drive Real AI Impact Across Portfolios

    07/23/2025

    Simon Walker: Forget 'AI Strategy' How PE Firms Can Drive Real AI Impact Across Portfolios

    Summary In this episode of the AI Pathfinder for Private Equity podcast, Steve Budd speaks with Simon Walker, co-founder of Kubrick Group, about the critical role of AI in private equity and portfolio companies. They discuss the evolution of AI capabilities, the urgency for private equity firms to adopt AI, and the importance of collaboration among portfolio companies. Simon shares insights on real-world applications of AI in sales and finance, the necessity of measuring AI success, and the cultural challenges faced in AI adoption. The conversation emphasises the need for proactive strategies and clear ownership of AI initiatives to drive value and innovation in the private equity sector. Takeaways AI is becoming essential for competitive advantage in private equityThe urgency for private equity firms to adopt AI is increasingCollaboration among portfolio companies can accelerate AI adoptionAI initiatives should have clear ownership to avoid failureAI should be viewed as a tool for tactical winsSetting realistic expectations for AI outcomes is importantAI products require ongoing investment and developmentChapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Private Equity 00:57 The Evolution of Kubrick and AI Solutions 02:50 The Urgency of AI in Portfolio Companies 04:32 Use Cases and Real-World Applications of AI 06:13 Mandating AI Implementation in Portfolio Companies 08:40 Accelerating AI Adoption Across Portfolio Companies 11:55 Measuring AI Success and Setting Expectations 13:47 The Importance of Defined AI Use Cases 15:29 Standardizing AI Readiness Across Portfolios 16:18 Identifying Skills Gaps in AI Implementation 19:23 The Role of Stakeholders in AI Projects 21:41 Kubrick's Focus on Talent and Capability 23:46 Preparing for the Future of AI in Private Equity 25:42 Cultural Challenges in AI Adoption 29:13 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Links Simon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-walker-8763b9/ Kubrick Group: https://www.kubrickgroup.com/uk/ AI Pathfinder Private Equity AI Strategy Meet-ups: https://www.aipathfinder.co/ai-strategy-day https://www.aipathfinder.co/breakfast-briefings Have a question or would like to suggest improvements, please contact steve@aipathfinder.co

    30 min
  8. Phil Westcott: From 'Batch Job' to 'Continuous Intelligence' in Deal Origination

    07/16/2025

    Phil Westcott: From 'Batch Job' to 'Continuous Intelligence' in Deal Origination

    Summary In this episode of the AI Pathfinder for Private Equity podcast, Steve Budd interviews Phil Westcott, CEO and co-founder of Filament Syfter. They discuss the transformative role of AI in private equity, focusing on how Filament Syfter helps firms build proprietary market intelligence to enhance deal origination. Phil shares insights on the inefficiencies in traditional processes, the importance of integrating data, and the competitive edge that AI can provide. The conversation also touches on the cultural shifts within private equity firms as they adapt to new technologies and the strategic steps they can take to leverage AI effectively. Takeaways The traditional deal origination process is often inefficientPrivate equity firms need to integrate their data for better insightsAI can help firms identify and track the best fit dealsBuilding a proprietary engine is crucial for competitive advantageHuman insight remains essential in the AI-driven processCultural shifts are necessary for successful AI adoption in private equityChapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Private Equity 02:33 The Journey of Filament Sifter 05:22 Identifying Opportunities in Private Markets 07:51 Transforming Deal Origination Processes 10:31 Building Proprietary Market Intelligence 13:09 Leveraging AI for Competitive Advantage 15:51 Measuring ROI in Deal Origination 18:31 Cultural Shifts in Private Equity 20:40 Next Steps for Private Equity Firms 23:17 Future of Data and AI in Private Equity Links Phil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philwestcott/ Filament Syfter: https://filament.ai/ AI Pathfinder Private Equity AI Strategy Meet-ups: https://www.aipathfinder.co/ai-strategy-day https://www.aipathfinder.co/breakfast-briefings Have a question or would like to suggest improvements, please contact steve@aipathfinder.co

    29 min
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I'm on a mission to guide private equity from AI uncertainty to empowerment by building a network for successful AI adoption. It's giving me firsthand access to PE leaders and experts across the AI value chain. 

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